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While another round of record snow and cold kept the House and Senate from being able to meet for two days last week, both chambers nonetheless finished work on several notable bills and are poised to pass even more in the three days we meet this week.

Leadership at nearly every manufacturing facility across the United States is working the same puzzle. How will we develop the pipeline of skilled workers we need to remain globally competitive?
As more advanced technologies are integrated into the manufacturing process, companies - including those right here in the Lincoln Trail region - are struggling to fill critical, technical positions such as engineers and maintenance technicians.

A distinct variety of fulfilling entertainment was February’s appeasement for wearying us with intense cold and pelting us with water in varying degrees of solid. There were plays and concerts, musicals and musicians. The past week in particular was jammed with much to do.

While each legislative session is different, many of the bills the General Assembly considers every year tend to be grouped in just a handful of categories: education, health, public protection, economic development and streamlining government services.
All of them came into play last week as the House worked through the remainder of our high-profile bills and many others that are also now ready for the Senate’s consideration.

I drive St. Mary Highway almost every single day, and I have never noticed the cross that sits along the roadside at the site of a fatal accident that killed a local woman in April of last year.
Apparently, however, someone else has noticed it, and he or she do not approve of where it’s placed. It bothered this person so much, in fact, that he or she called the state road department and complained.

Good news. Wintertime warmth is not in short supply this week. Set a blazing fire at home, yawn, and watch it sizzle by the hour, or get out to see the lovable, high-octane performances given by the Brett family, as they make their only Kentucky stop of a world tour.

No part of Kentucky was spared the record-breaking snow fall and temperatures this week. Schools, businesses and many government agencies had to close, as did the General Assembly due to the hazardous weather. When such weather emergencies occur, and so many counties and even the governor declare states of emergency, ensuring safety and helping those in trouble due to the extreme conditions take priority. I hope you and your family have remained safe and secure throughout the winter storms.

Like most of the state, the Kentucky House of Representatives saw its schedule put on ice last week because of the snow and plunging temperatures.
While the damage and outages did not cause the same level of devastation that Kentucky experienced in 2009, there has been one constant between now and then: The tireless work of our road crews, first responders, hospital and utility workers and those who have kept our local businesses open. I know many pitched in as well to donate food and clothing for those in need and to check on their neighbors and friends.